In 2010, knowing his health was in decline, Dick approached Mike to apprentice in his art of dog training, where he shared knowledge that was developed over his 50 year career.

Honored and humbled by Dick’s trust in him, Mike initially focused on Dick’s socialization sessions. He then became a fixture at Dick’s obedience classes, where he helped people and dogs with techniques, and where he immersed himself in what Dick did and said during his classes. This progression, very much in keeping with Dick’s method of training dogs, led to Mike leading a lesson or two during a class, and ultimately leading full classes under Dick’s supervision.

Rejoicing in Mike’s successes and “not beating him up, but teaching him again” when he stumbled, Dick allowed Mike’s signature to be the only other to ever appear on a Dick Russell Dog Obedience diploma.

After Dick’s passing in 2011, Mike founded Fleur de Lead Dog Training as part of his promise to Dick to further his legacy of helping people turn their dogs into the pets they dream of having.

Fleur de Lead is committed to the philosophy of dog training that is gentler, more rational and easier on both dog and human.

“Whatever it takes for the life of your dog”

When you and your dog enroll in my obedience class, I make a lifetime commitment to your desire that they become an enjoyable pet. Within the confines of the class setting, I will do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes, to achieve this, and it will never cost you another cent.